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Achievements of All-Stars far-reaching
By Kathy Walsh Nufer
Post-Crescent staff writer
They are the complete package.
The 15 Fox Valley high school seniors selected from a field of 78 nominees for special recognition in The Post-Crescent's 2006 Academic All-Stars program not only have academic achievement to their credit but resumes packed with extra-curricular involvement and service.
They impressed the judges with their scholastic records, wide range of interests and commitments outside the classroom, leadership and character, all criteria for selecting this year's most promising young people.
They got the most out of their high school education and hope to do the same in college and what lies beyond.
In 19 years, no other Post- Crescent Academic All-Star has turned top academic achievement and a passion for powerboat racing into a winning combination.
Margaret Clare Allen, Menasha High School
Margaret Allen set high goals in both from an early age and dedicated herself to following through. "I proved to myself I'm a really hard worker when I want something and put my mind to it," she said.
Allen started high school with a history of straight A's and a plan. "I wanted to maintain that and be at the top of my class," she said, and she did by taking advanced classes and studying hard. She will graduate ranked first in a class of 301.
"Every year, I was afraid of my class schedule, but I did it anyway and pulled through."
Allen takes pride in numerous academic awards and accomplishments in student council and soccer, plus being selected to attend a weeklong World Affairs seminar last summer, being an altar server at Sunday mass and volunteering with Alzheimer's patients.
She also has pursued boat racing with fervor. "I've grown up with powerboat racing," said the third-generation racer. "The families of both my parents race and I was the first female to race in the families. I was 10 when I started and have been doing it ever since. It's dangerous but I love it. I couldn't imagine doing anything else."
Allen, who races May through September and travels widely each year with the American Power Boat Association, was the national high point winner in 2003 and 2004. She hoped to get into the powerboat racing hall of fame but ran into technical difficulties with her boat in 2004. That taught her a life lesson, she said. "Not everything you want you can have in life."
Allen will attend Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., and major in biomedicine and Spanish, followed by medical school.
She wants to study abroad and volunteer with children in Honduras before becoming a pediatric oncologist or cardiologist. "My great grandmother ran a foundation there with open, free clinics for medical care," she said. "I've always wanted to go there and help."
By Kathy Walsh Nufer
Post-Crescent staff writer
They are the complete package.
The 15 Fox Valley high school seniors selected from a field of 78 nominees for special recognition in The Post-Crescent's 2006 Academic All-Stars program not only have academic achievement to their credit but resumes packed with extra-curricular involvement and service.
They impressed the judges with their scholastic records, wide range of interests and commitments outside the classroom, leadership and character, all criteria for selecting this year's most promising young people.
They got the most out of their high school education and hope to do the same in college and what lies beyond.
In 19 years, no other Post- Crescent Academic All-Star has turned top academic achievement and a passion for powerboat racing into a winning combination.
Margaret Clare Allen, Menasha High School
Margaret Allen set high goals in both from an early age and dedicated herself to following through. "I proved to myself I'm a really hard worker when I want something and put my mind to it," she said.
Allen started high school with a history of straight A's and a plan. "I wanted to maintain that and be at the top of my class," she said, and she did by taking advanced classes and studying hard. She will graduate ranked first in a class of 301.
"Every year, I was afraid of my class schedule, but I did it anyway and pulled through."
Allen takes pride in numerous academic awards and accomplishments in student council and soccer, plus being selected to attend a weeklong World Affairs seminar last summer, being an altar server at Sunday mass and volunteering with Alzheimer's patients.
She also has pursued boat racing with fervor. "I've grown up with powerboat racing," said the third-generation racer. "The families of both my parents race and I was the first female to race in the families. I was 10 when I started and have been doing it ever since. It's dangerous but I love it. I couldn't imagine doing anything else."
Allen, who races May through September and travels widely each year with the American Power Boat Association, was the national high point winner in 2003 and 2004. She hoped to get into the powerboat racing hall of fame but ran into technical difficulties with her boat in 2004. That taught her a life lesson, she said. "Not everything you want you can have in life."
Allen will attend Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., and major in biomedicine and Spanish, followed by medical school.
She wants to study abroad and volunteer with children in Honduras before becoming a pediatric oncologist or cardiologist. "My great grandmother ran a foundation there with open, free clinics for medical care," she said. "I've always wanted to go there and help."
see you soon!
You have far more academic ambition than I ever will. Hold onto that though, once you start slacking, you don’t stop. 
Rachel
Congrats, Margaret!!!! Number one at anything takes tremendous work, determination, dedication and making the right choices. You obviously have your priorities in the right place. Have a GREAT summer and be safe.
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